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Hawaiian vs. Mexican Veracruz Vanilla Beans: Same Species, Worlds Apart in Flavor

Hawaiian vs. Mexican Veracruz Vanilla Beans: Same Species, Worlds Apart in Flavor

Both Hawaiian and Mexican Veracruz vanilla beans are Vanilla planifolia — but their terroir creates dramatically different flavor profiles. Learn which beans pair best with which spirits for crafting exceptional homemade vanilla extract.
Can You Use Flavored Spirits to Make Vanilla Extract? The Truth About Flavored Vodkas, Rums & More

Can You Use Flavored Spirits to Make Vanilla Extract? The Truth About Flavored Vodkas, Rums & More

Strawberry vodka + vanilla beans sounds amazing. But most flavored spirits use artificial flavoring that turns metallic over months of infusion. Learn which spirits actually work — and the right way to make flavored vanilla extract using real freeze-dried fruit and cacao nibs.
Madagascar vs. Tanzania: What's the Difference Between Two V.planifolia Vanilla Beans?

Madagascar vs. Tanzania: What's the Difference Between Two V.planifolia Vanilla Beans?

Both Madagascar and Tanzania grow V.planifolia vanilla — but terroir makes all the difference. Discover how these two origins compare in flavor, complexity, and best uses for extract making and baking.
Using Vanilla Beans from Different Spirits in Your First Mother Jar

Using Vanilla Beans from Different Spirits in Your First Mother Jar

Can you use vanilla beans from different spirit extracts in your mother jar? Yes — and it's encouraged. Learn how to blend beans safely for a one-of-a-kind extract.

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Blending Spirits for Vanilla Extract: What You Need to Know

Blending Spirits for Vanilla Extract: What You Need to Know

Can you blend spirits when making vanilla extract? Yes — but there are important things to know about ABV, flavor dominance, and blending within spirit families.

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Ecuador Colorado vs. Papua New Guinea Kerema: A Tale of Two V.tahitensis Vanilla Beans

Ecuador Colorado vs. Papua New Guinea Kerema: A Tale of Two V.tahitensis Vanilla Beans

They share the same species name — Vanilla tahitensis — but grow worlds apart, shaped by entirely different soils, climates, and curing traditions. The Ecuadorian Colorado and the Papua New...
Veracruz vs. Popondetta: A V.planifolia Vanilla Bean Comparison

Veracruz vs. Popondetta: A V.planifolia Vanilla Bean Comparison

Both the Veracruz Mexican and Popondetta Papua New Guinea vanilla beans share the same V.planifolia species, but their terroir, flavor, and aroma tell very different stories. Here's a deep-dive comparison to help you choose — or use both.
Lucky 7: The Best Vanilla Beans to Pair with Irish Whiskey for St. Patrick's Day Extract

Lucky 7: The Best Vanilla Beans to Pair with Irish Whiskey for St. Patrick's Day Extract

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a "Lucky 7" Irish Whiskey vanilla extract. Discover the 7 best vanilla beans from around the world that pair beautifully with the smooth, malty notes of Irish whiskey.
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Why Irish Whiskey Makes the Perfect Vanilla Extract for St. Patrick's Day

Why Irish Whiskey Makes the Perfect Vanilla Extract for St. Patrick's Day

Discover why Irish whiskey's soft, smooth character makes it perfect for creating premium vanilla extract. Learn how Madagascar, Comoros, Rioja Peruvian Pompona, and Marquesas Tahitensis vanilla beans each bring unique flavors to this St. Patrick's Day family tradition.
2 Bean Tuesday: Indonesian Planifolia vs Tahitensis: Understanding the Difference

2 Bean Tuesday: Indonesian Planifolia vs Tahitensis: Understanding the Difference

Discover the key differences between Indonesian Planifolia and Tahitensis vanilla beans, including their distinct flavor profiles, ideal spirits for extract making, and best culinary applications.
The Tip Jar Method: Create Your Own Signature Vanilla Extract Blend

The Tip Jar Method: Create Your Own Signature Vanilla Extract Blend

Discover the tip jar method: save the curly tips from every vanilla bean you receive to create a signature extract blend that's uniquely yours. Learn how to start, maintain, and enjoy an extract that gets sweeter over time!
Beans, Bottles & Booze: How to Host the Ultimate Winter Extract-Making Party

Beans, Bottles & Booze: How to Host the Ultimate Winter Extract-Making Party

Stuck inside this winter? Host an extract-making party! All you need are beans, bottles, and booze. Learn how to throw the ultimate vanilla extract party with 2-3 bean origins and spirits, plus tips for the tasting party one year later.